How To Fix SWP143 - Work items locked: Set to obsolete or terminate

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SWP - WFM: Messages

• Message number: 143

• Message text: Work items locked: Set to obsolete or terminate

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SWP143 - Work items locked: Set to obsolete or terminate ?

  The SAP error message SWP143 indicates that a work item is locked because it has been set to obsolete or terminated. This typically occurs in the context of workflow management within SAP, where work items represent tasks that need to be completed by users.
  Cause:
  
  Obsolete Work Items: A work item may be marked as obsolete if it is no longer relevant or if the workflow has been changed in such a way that the work item is no longer needed.
  Termination of Workflow: If a workflow is terminated, all associated work items may be locked to prevent further processing.
  User Actions: A user may have manually set the work item to obsolete or terminated, or it may have been done by a system process or workflow logic.
  System Errors: Sometimes, system errors or inconsistencies can lead to work items being incorrectly marked as locked.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Workflow Status: Review the status of the workflow associated with the work item. If the workflow has been terminated or marked as obsolete, you may need to take appropriate actions based on the business process.
  Unlocking Work Items: If you have the necessary authorizations, you can unlock the work item by changing its status. This can typically be done through transaction codes like SWIA (Work Item Administration) or SWI1 (Work Item Selection).
  Reassign or Complete Work Items: If the work item is still relevant, consider reassigning it to another user or completing it if possible.
  Consult Workflow Administrator: If you are unsure about the status or the next steps, consult your SAP workflow administrator or support team for guidance.
  Review Workflow Configuration: If this issue occurs frequently, it may be worth reviewing the workflow configuration to ensure that it is set up correctly and that there are no underlying issues causing work items to be locked unnecessarily.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SWI1 (Work Item Selection), SWIA (Work Item Administration), and SWI2_FREQ (Work Item Frequency).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to workflow management and work item handling.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation on workflow management for best practices and troubleshooting steps.
  User Authorizations: Ensure that users have the appropriate authorizations to manage work items and workflows.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the SWP143 error and manage your work items effectively.